Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Táim an-bhuíoch don Chathaoirleach as ucht an ábhar seo a roghnú ar an Athló, ábhar an-tábhachtach do dhaoine thart timpeall na tíre. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this subject, which is causing considerable fear and anxiety not just in County Meath, but throughout the country. Last December the then Minister of State with responsibility for housing and planning, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, announced a review of planning guidelines under section 28 of the Planning Act in respect of wind turbines and invited a public consultation. Many people were not happy with the Government's guidelines and made their submissions. Since then nothing has happened.

I understand the Department is examining all the submissions and that is taking time. However, on the ground planning applications for wind turbines are being submitted left, right and centre, as part of which the pre-planning process has commenced for a 46-turbine project in County Meath, with each turbine almost 600 ft. high. The danger is, as has happened in other areas in south Meath and Laois in particular, that planning permission will be granted for projects under the guidelines which the Government admits are outdated. Speaking here last week I believe the Minister even said that the current guidelines are outdated and not relevant to the types of turbines that are going in.

I am suggesting, as many others have done, that the Government puts a moratorium in place until it publishes guidelines. It should immediately publish guidelines that will be acceptable to the citizens who have to live in proximity to these turbines. There is unbelievable anger out there. The few Government Deputies who attend meetings will realise the anger about this. There needs to be a moratorium. I cannot accept it cannot be done. I have written proposed legislation to help the process. I believe a moratorium could effectively be put in place using guidelines under the Planning Act. Guidance should be given to An Bord Pleanála and the local authorities that they should not give permission for wind turbines until the Government has made up its mind on the policy.

I am looking for a positive response from the Minister. Based on what I have heard from colleagues, I know the Minister, Deputy Kelly, is examining this issue very closely, but I would like to see a complete change of policy from what has gone on up to now. It is not fair on communities.